Ricky Gervais, known for his controversial comedy, has never shied away from pushing boundaries and being politically correct is not a trait attributed to him. The comedian, 63, has faced criticism for his behavior on and off-stage, with some people sharing their negative experiences with him. Comedian Robin Ince accused Ricky of bullying him during a tour, leading to physical health issues like a stress rash. Despite remaining friends for years, Robin publicly criticized Ricky for his comments about the transgender community in 2022.
Ricky has built a successful career after rising to fame with The Office, incorporating jokes targeting topics like the ‘woke brigade,’ trans rights, identity politics, and cancel culture. He has a long-standing reputation for breaking taboos and making controversial jokes. Recently, Ricky has signed lucrative deals with streaming giant Netflix and remains popular in the comedy world with his stand-up gigs and successful comedy series like After Life.
Fellow comedian James Acaster criticized Ricky in a resurfaced sketch for his jokes about the transgender community and other controversial topics. Ricky has faced backlash over his comments on various sensitive issues in his stand-up shows and specials. Disability groups have also criticized Ricky for his use of offensive words on his Twitter feed, which has been deemed insensitive and hurtful towards the disabled community.
Producer Ash Atalla, who worked with Ricky during The Office, admitted feeling discomfort over Ricky’s repeated jokes about disabilities, particularly relating to his wheelchair use. This discomfort grew over time, and Ash expressed that such jokes would not be acceptable now given the increased awareness around sensitive topics. Additionally, Ricky has been embroiled in a long-running feud with fellow TV personality James Corden, with accusations of jokes being ripped off and exchanged between the two comedians.
Despite the controversies and criticism surrounding his comedy, Ricky remains unapologetic and committed to pushing boundaries with his humor. Some people may find his jokes offensive, while others appreciate his willingness to tackle taboo topics. His work on stage and in various projects continues to draw audiences and attention, solidifying his status as one of the UK’s most outspoken and controversial comedians. While not everyone appreciates his style, Ricky maintains a strong fanbase and continues to make waves in the entertainment industry.
